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Abstract |
The intention of this research is, through collaborative discussion and selective conversations, to explore female caregivers' expectations and perceptions of primary health services for some Te Atiawa Maori children. The research process was developed in a partnership between the Maori women participants and the researcher. In addition, two local kuia actively participated in and supported the process. Emancipatory critical social theory underpinned and informed the project. Power relationships between the researcher and the participants can be overtly explored within this theoretical framework. In terms of this particular exploratory study, participatory research appeared to be applicable. The participants are female caregivers of Te Atiawa children. Data collection was done using group interactions and semi-structured interviews in the winter of the year 2000. A thematic analysis of the data was used, in which common themes were identified, compared and discussed. From the analysis of the data of the participants' conversations, key ideas were identified. The major findings have been identified within two main themes. These are: a concept of health is not the same for Pakeha as for Maori, and access issues are still problematic for the participants in this study. Many quotes from the interview participants are included in order to keep the focus of the project on the voices of the women interviewed. In terms of the significant contribution of this research, this study aims to allow voices of female caregivers of Te Atiawa Maori children to be heard. Individual and collaborative interactions offer insights into what is important to them in terms of Maori child health. Clearly, the primary health initiatives promoted by the New Zealand government are not reaching at least some of the people for whom they are intended. The research participants offered their ideas as to how these deficits could be remedied in their community. |
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